Wellness in Moroccan Nature with Elese
6 days & nights in the ourika valley, just outside of Marrakech
September 15-21, 2025
If you’ve been feeling the nudge to get away, digital detox, dive into your yoga practice and return to nature, this is the retreat for you. We’ll be staying for 6 days and nights at the beautiful Bab Zouina Retreat, in the Ourika Valley, just 40 minutes from Marrakech in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Morocco is truly an indulgence for the senses. From sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touch - the country is rich in it all. This retreat gives you the opportunity to unplug and unwind in beautiful countryside accommodations and take a little time to explore one of the most important Imperial Cities of Morocco as well - Magical Marrakech.
Each morning begins with an energizing practice led by Elese - either Pilates Fusion, Vinyasa Yoga, or Cardio - prepare to show up on your mat and meet yourself with grace and determination. Following our practice, a tasty Moroccan brunch! Think homemade pancakes with all the local toppings: honey from the farm, homemade cheeses, and local almond butter. Enjoy eggs, fresh fruit juice, salads and other nibbles alongside your tea or coffee.
Most afternoons will feature an inclusive activity or space for downtime, where you can choose between walking in nature, play tennis with some pros, go for a dip in the freshwater pool, or just lay around and absorb some much needed rest in the Moroccan sunshine.
The evening practice will be slower yoga flows, infused with yin & restorative postures and even some meditation. Expect your evening practice to be more grounding, nurturing and good for the soul. Dinner will immediately follow, with another spread of homemade Moroccan flavors. No meal is ever served twice, you’ll get something new and delicious every night!
Check out the trip at a quick glance…
Day 1: Arrivals in Marrakech
Meet & greet your fellow travelers at the Marrakech accommodation, Bab Zouina, featuring the best of Moorish architecture. Adjust your inner clock to Moroccan time and start to unwind with a glass of mint tea. We’ll kick things off with a meet & greet before a grounding yoga practice, followed by a delicious farm-to-table dinner prepared with love.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Hammam & Henna
After our morning practice, we have the day to enjoy some cultural luxuries - you can opt-in for a traditional Moroccan bath in the hammam, followed by a massage, or oscillate between basking in the sun and dipping in the freshwater pool. Throughout the day, you’ll be invited to partake in a traditional henna experience, where you can have beautiful designs painted with henna on your hands or feet that will last for up to 2 weeks! This is a perfect day for wearing your flowy mumu and curling up in the sun with a good book!
Meals included: Brunch, Dinner & Snacks
Day 3: History & Souks in Marrakech
Start your day with an energizing practice, followed by a traditional Moroccan breakfast & head out with your local guide to discovery the history of Marrakech, including site visits to a Palace, Koranic School, Spice Market, and the many artisan markets within the old Medina. We’ll include a break for lunch & enjoy dinner back at the accommodation together after a full day of touring around.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner (Note: Lunch is not included, but we go to a restaurant where you can order a la carte. Expect prices be range from $8-12 USD per person.)
Day 4: Learn to cook: Moroccan style
Kick off the day with your morning practice and amazing brunch and enjoy some free time to do as you please. Starting around 4pm, we’ll gather for a traditional “Tagine” cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make one of the most loved & most common Moroccan dishes, as well as a few additional sides. After the hard work is done, you’ll have a short break for some groovy yoga and then return to eat the fruits of your labor!
Meals included: Brunch, Dinner & Snacks
Day 5: Rest & Rejuvenate
This is a day for you! After AM practice & brunch, the day is yours to do as you wish. We can recommend a variety of ideas if you’re feeling frisky, or take some time to enjoy some of the space of nature and disconnection from “the real world”. Around 5pm, Elese will lead a Manifestation Workshop (about an hour) and then we’ll gather for evening yoga before dinner. All in all, expect this day to be the perfect medicine for the stress that can accumulate over time when we are overworked & overstimulated.
Meals included: Brunch, Dinner & Snacks
Day 6: Visit a Moroccan saffron farm & Gnawa experience
After morning practice and brunch, we’re heading out to visit a farm that produces one of the most sought-after spices in global history - Saffron! You’ll learn about the flower, how it’s grown and harvested, and even some history behind the trade. This farm also produces a variety of herbs & medicinal plants, so you’ll also learn about their healing properties and purposes. Even though saffron isn’t in season until November, our wonderful farm host will send you home with a little gift so you can enjoy cooking with it at home. Evening yoga and dinner awaits!
Meals included: Brunch, Dinner & Snacks
Day 7: Departures onward!
Today we say goodbye! Whether you’re heading onward to Essaouira or the Sahara Desert on an offered extension, or heading back home - we’ll have one more yummy Moroccan pancake together before everyone continues their journey - hopefully refreshed, revived, and nourished!
Meals included: Breakfast
Meet your trip hosts!
Jade Pleming
Elese Rose
Our favorite wellness expert is back for a fourth year hosting a group in Morocco! Elese is a true “practice-what-you-preach” example of living life in a healthy and sustainable way. Join her on this wellness retreat for the absolute best in daily movement, food, fellowship, and a much-needed break from the world we live in. From Pilates to Yoga to running up sand dunes barefoot, Elese always brings an opportunity to sweat! In the evenings, get her softer side as she moves you through bendy stretches & grounding meditation. This IS the retreat you need!
Jade is the founder and chief of operations at My Moroccan Adventure. A native of Austin, Texas, she lived in Morocco for 6 years and spent most of that time exploring the country to get a better understanding of Moroccan culture, language, and history. Now based in Athens, Greece - Jade is excited to be joining the group in Morocco for a triumphant return to Bab Zouina! Jade is your go-to for any help in the booking process, cultural info about Morocco, and anything travel-oriented.
INFO & PRICING
Triple Room Rate
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Six Spots Available
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Triple Room Rate 〰️ Six Spots Available 〰️
$2000 for a single bed in a shared triple room with shared bathroom ~ includes all meals, snacks, experiences mentioned above, cool welcome gift, 2x yoga/fitness practices per day, round-trip transfers to Bab Zouina from Marrakech airport or city
Twin Room Rate
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Four Spots Available
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Twin Room Rate 〰️ Four Spots Available 〰️
$2250 for a single bed in a shared twin room with shared bathroom ~ includes all meals, snacks, experiences mentioned above, cool welcome gift, 2x yoga/fitness practices per day, round-trip transfers to Bab Zouina from Marrakech airport or city
Next Steps
Confirm your spot with a $600 deposit by clicking the button below. We accept all major credit cards with a small fee. Alternatively, fee-less payments can be made via Zelle (email for details).
For more info on our booking process, cancellation policy and more - check out our FAQ here.
Exclusions
Purchased souvenirs, lunch on Day 1 (if you arrive early, it can be pre-ordered for 150 MAD/15 USD), lunch on Day 3
Entry to historical sites & monuments (expect to pay 150 MAD/15 USD for two sites)
Gratuity to Bab Zouina staff (we recommend 50 MAD per day @ 300 MAD, to be paid upon checkout in cash
Gratuity to your Marrakech city tour guide (we recommend 50 MAD per person, to be paid at the end of the tour in cash)
Got questions?
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